Purdue News

October 10, 2002 Purdue Theatre presents 'The Diviners' WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Audiences will meet the residents of the fictional town of Zion, Ind., in Purdue Theatre's studio season production of "The Diviners" by Jim Leonard Jr. "The Diviners" will be staged Oct. 17-27 in the Black Box Theatre, Creative Arts Building 3. Guest artist Jeff Casazza will direct the production. "The Diviners" features Buddy Layman, who may be a bit "tetched" in the head, but is depended upon by the folks in his hometown to predict the weather and find water with his divining rod. When former preacher C.C. Showers shows up, the townsfolk are abuzz, and a cathartic friendship is born. Understanding what it means to be a diviner and embrace a sense of community are at the heart of this play for director Casazza. "Many diviners believe that everyone has the power within them to divine," he says. "Divining, then, is opening yourself up – freeing yourself to make a discovery." Casazza says he hopes the portrayal of a rural Indiana town also will appeal to the audience. "It is interesting to me that Zion is such a small community," Casazza says. "For each performance, we will gather together more people than inhabit this mythical place. And, as is true in many small communities, the rituals they go through in their everyday lives draw them closer. I hope that as audiences watch this play, they can put themselves in the town of Zion and live through the events portrayed along with the townspeople." Tickets for "The Diviners" are on sale now for $5.50. They may be purchased at the Loeb Box Office, Stewart Center, or by calling (765) 494-3933. Out-of-town residents can call toll-free at (800) 914-SHOW. Performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26, with matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 26-27. CONTACT: Lori Sparger, Purdue Theatre marketing director, (765) 494-3084, theatre@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page